Rejoice in the Good of 2013

 

As I contemplated what I should write in this last post of 2013, I had to happily consider what a blessing it is look forward to a new year, and a fresh start.  Fresh starts give us a clean slate and a perspective free of mess and clutter.  However, even as we consider the year ahead of us, I think it would be a great loss to go into that year without embracing, and carrying with us, the many joys we experienced during the past twelve months.  So, as you look forward to 2014, take those great memories with you!

What did you experience during 2013 that warmed your heart and filled your life with love, laughter, hope, and gratitude?  Before the ball drops in Times Square tomorrow night, make a list of some of 2013's highlights.  Tuck it into your journal or purse and keep it for ready reference because, as you and I both know, 2014 will sometimes challenge our sense of appreciation.  Having a quick reference to past blessings will allow us to find hope and peace as we recall the people and occasions that have graced our lives.

As I took the week of Christmas off from writing, I found myself mulling over what I would post today, and this idea of reviewing the blessings of 2013 came to mind.  I think it is a valuable suggestion, not because I came up with it, but for several other reasons:

•   First, it is a great way to end the year on a positive note. 
•   Second, it will give us a period of pause in which memories of positive experiences will lend  calm and joy to our life.  
•   Third, the very act of recalling and recording good memories calms and regulates our heart rhythms and helps to stabilize our blood pressure.  Just think of the positive effect the daily practice of gratitude could have on your life if you did something similar each day! For that reason, I found the suggestion to the right very interesting: 

This was apparently posted for last year, but it is just as appropriate for 2014.  A year from now, as you review your blessings, it will provide a ready made time capsule of the many joys you encountered along your path, and the events that laced richness and love into your life.  The only fault I find with the suggestion, as given, is that the jar will prove far too small.  While you may want to start with a quart jar, just for convenience, look for a very large jar--one of those old fashioned pickle type jars.  Check in with your local school cafeteria.  They may be able to supply one.  I think you'll find you're gonna need it!!
Have a blessed time reviewing the joys of 2013!